English Proficiency
Generally, all applicants are required to demonstrate an acceptable level of English language proficiency in order to satisfy the university requirements for graduate admission, unless an applicable exemption or waiver applies.
Only applicants who are citizens of the following countries (or those applicants who have received their bachelor's degree or higher, from said countries, within the previous 24 months of the intended start date of their respective graduate program) are 'exempt' from this requirement.
Australia | Barbados | Belize | Bermuda |
Botswana | Canada | Cook Islands | England |
Grenada | Guyana | Ireland, Northern | Ireland, Republic of |
Jamaica | Lesotho | Malta | New Zealand |
South Africa, Republic of | Scotland | Sierra Leone | Singapore |
St Kitts and Nevis | St Lucia | Swaziland | United States of America |
Wales | Zambia | - | - |
Acceptable English Proficiency Tests
The CAE, GATEWAY English (formally E3PT), IELTS, and TOEFL tests measure a candidate's ability to communicate in English academically or professionally. Each test covers four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) tests for and establishes proof of high-level achievement in English and the ideal qualification to prepare you for university or professional life. Applicants applying to graduate school are required to successfully pass the C1 Advanced test. Information regarding the CAE C1 Advanced test is available here.
The GATEWAY English test is offered online anywhere in the world and can be completed anytime. Test takers need a working webcam, microphone, speakers, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet and well-lit room. Information regarding the GATEWAY English Test is available here.
IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, and IDP: IELTS Australia. There are two types of reading and writing modules: Academic and General Training. Candidates applying for admission to a graduate program at BYU are required to take the Academic reading and writing modules of the test. Information regarding the IELTS is available at www.ielts.org.
The TOEFL test measures English language proficiency in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The test is administered by Educational Testing Service. Information regarding the TOEFL is available at www.toefl.org. BYU does not accept the TOEFL ITP test as an English proficiency exam for graduate school.
Minimum Scores on English Proficiency Tests
- CAE C1 Advanced
- Minimum score of (180/Grade C) or higher.
- GATEWAY English (formally E3PT)
- Overall minimum score of 495 (with minimum speaking, and listening scores of 455, and reading and writing score of 425).
- Receive a 25% discount by entering the code “GOFORTHTOSERVE”
Previous E3PT test format and scoring:
- Please note that we will accept the old E3PT test and scoring format as long as it was taken within one and a half years of the potential start date of the program.
- Overall minimum score of 79 (with minimum speaking, reading, and listening scores of 21, and a minimum writing score of 16). This criterion is for the old E3PT testing format.
- IELTS
- Overall minimum band score of 7.0 (consisting of minimum band scores of 6.0 in each module).
- TOEFL iBT (internet based test)
- Minimum subscores of 22 (Speaking) and 21 (Listening, Reading, & Writing respectively) comprising an overall score at least 85.
Some departments may require a higher English proficiency test score. Please refer to your department of interest for specific information. CAE, GATEWAY English, IELTS, and TOEFL scores must be less than two years old at the time of enrollment.